Seamus O’Connor

Brief Background: I am the director of compliance for a global manufacturer. I have been there for the past 3.5 years. Before that, I worked in the field of corporate social responsibility. I traveled to factories worldwide to evaluate them with regard to environmental, health, safety, and labor standards.

Top 3 favorite activities:

My top priority is my family. My son turned one on the first day that classes started. His future is a big reason why I am taking on law school. I want to provide opportunities for him and my wife that we may not have had otherwise.

Favorite class at L&C:

With only one semester under my belt, I only have a few to choose from. I feel that each has the potential to be my favorite. If I were forced to choose, I’d say Civil Procedure with Professor Robert Klonoff. The content is not my favorite, but the experience that he brings as a practitioner adds great value to the course.

Why law school?

My decision to go to law school was spurred by a conversation with my boss. He is the general counsel at my work and one day in October 2014 while talking about my future at the company, he asked me if I had ever thought of law school. I see law school as a good way to advance my career. Many compliance professionals have a legal background. Furthermore, I envision myself as a general counsel someday—thus law school is a key step.

Adjusting to law school:

The hardest thing about adjusting to law school is giving up the many things that I was involved in. In addition to my family, I ran an entrepreneur group, practiced improv, belonged to a gym, and ran a lot. Giving up that time has been a challenge. Especially the time with my family.

Top 9 favorite things to do in Portland:

Go see a Timbers match—the atmosphere is excellent—and they just won the 2015 MLS Cup.

Eat at one of Koi Fusion’s food trucks—they mix Korean and Mexican.

Go to a show at McMenamin’s Edgefield for its great atmosphere.

Do the Four T trail through the city (train, trail, tram, trolley)—it’s a great way to get some views of the city.

Happy hour at the Portland City Grill in the summer time (no rain) to get a view from the highest restaurant in town.

In early fall do the “Fruit Loop” in Hood River—visit several wineries and orchards.

Take the Amtrak to Seattle in the late afternoon/early evening for a good sunset ride—sit on the left side of the car for the better views or in the sightseer deck of the Empire Builder.

Grab a Pine State biscuit at the PSU farmers market (open Saturdays).

Head out to Cannon Beach to get a photo of Haystack Rock—It’s where the end of Goonies was filmed.